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This year's Black History Month marks the 10-year anniversary of Tyler Perry's career as a filmmaker. In February 2005, Perry released Diary of a Mad Black Woman, as writer and producer. His successful debut effort generated sales almost 10 times its budget.

Just in time for the ideal reflections on the new year ahead, I sat down with filmmaker Lee Daniels on a terrace overlooking the splendid Arabian Gulf during the recent Dubai International Film Festival.

I have loved the term "diabetical" since the matriarch of Tyler Perry's Madea movie franchise first coined the phrase. The term masterfully highlights the diabolical nature of the disease, which has now become a worldwide public health crisis.

Great strides were made in LGBT rights this year and millions whooped it up at gay pride parades all around the country in celebration. But amid the usual rainbow flags, there was an interesting new wrinkle this year: the emergence of a new Jesus.

Tyler Perry is no stranger to biological father issues. He has spoken candidly about the issues stemming from growing up with his abusive father, Emmitt. The horrendous emotional and physical abuse Perry suffered not only drew him to change his own name from Emmitt to Tyler, but had him on the brink of suicide at age 10. The only problem? Perry has just discovered that this man is not his biological father.

Tyler Perry, who has inspired audiences near and far since his debut in 1992, but even with all of his success he still remains humble and passionate about his work while continuing to wow his critics and turn heads in Hollywood.

I'm wondering if talking about things you don't know anything about is a biological, instinctive human trait, like anger or hunger or sympathy for George Clooney because he just can't seem to find the right woman.

Yes, we still have single mommas in the hood holding it down, but you also have single mothers taking their kids to school or football practice in the Benz they paid for and tucking their kids into bed at night in the house in her name.

Why is it that when black people create a film that isn't contingent upon slavery, gun violence, poverty and overt buffoonery, Hollywood and film critics alike are absolutely shocked by how well it does?

The audience' response to Tyler Perry and Bishop Jakes is psychologically intriguing. It is Bishop Jakes who is receiving the million dollars and yet the audience is rejoicing as if they are Bishop Jakes.